—whether he lives in comfort or endures pain, whether the command brings him out among people or withdraws him from them—he chooses for himself nothing other than what his Patron and Master chooses for him. He stands by the divine command, carrying it out as best he can, and he deems his own self too insignificant to put its ease or pleasure ahead of his Master’s good pleasure and order. Such is the servant who has arrived and passed through; nothing at all cuts him off from his Lord. Allah alone grants success.

Section
Blessings are of three kinds: (1) a present blessing of which the servant is aware; (2) an expected blessing for which he hopes; and (3) a blessing he is in the midst of yet does not perceive.

When Allah wills to perfect His favor upon a servant, He makes him recognize the blessing already in his possession and grants him a portion of gratitude that acts as a tether keeping it from straying—for a blessing slips away through sin but is held fast by thankfulness. He then guides him to deeds that attract the awaited blessing, shows him the paths that would block it and cut it off, and grants him success in avoiding them; soon the blessing reaches him in the most complete form. Finally, He makes him aware of the blessings in which he is immersed but of which he is unaware.

It is related that a Bedouin once entered upon Hārūn al-Rashīd and said, “Commander of the Faithful! May Allah preserve the blessings you now enjoy by your continued gratitude, realize for you the blessings you hope for through good opinion of Him and constant obedience to Him, and make you aware of the blessings you are in yet do not recognize, so that you may thank Him for them.” Al-Rashīd was impressed and said, “How excellent is this division!”

A Sublime Maxim
The starting point of every theoretical science and every voluntary action is inner thoughts and ideas. These generate perceptions; perceptions invite volitions; volitions necessitate the performance of an act; and frequent repetition of the act produces a habit.